Contemporary Art Practices/Theories (minor)

ViCCA‐minor offers a selection of courses consisting of transdisciplinary and experimental art practice, curating and theory, which all extend outside of conventional settings and into an array of social, political, ecological, scientific and technological environments. The core of this minor is in artistic approaches, curatorial thinking, and their supporting theories; all responding to the challenges of contemporary art and life at large. Students will engage in open research processes, theories and practice‐based experiments and gain a broad understanding of contemporary and emerging practices that deal with ecologies, curating, art & science.

For master and bachelor students.

The minor introduces students to cutting‐edge themes and practices in contemporary art and its relation to other fields, such as curating, sciences, ecology and technology. The minor offers particular emphasis in art world and its structures and supports student's thesis that have artistic practice component. The minor enables an active understanding of practice/theory as intergrated process.

The minor in Contemporary Art Practices/Theories can be completed by succesfully aquiring 18 ECTS from the listed courses. Students can select courses according to their interests and study plan. To apply students submit a motivation letter (approx. 350 words) highlighting why they would like to take the minor Contemporary Art Practices/Theories, and a preliminary plan for their minor studies. Selection criteria: motivation of the applicant.

Basic information

Name: Contemporary Art Practices/Theories (minor)

Code: ARTS3057

Extent: 18 ECTS

Curriculum: 2022–2024

Level: Bachelor Masters

Language of learning: English

Theme: Art and design knowledge building

Teacher in charge: Patrizia Costantin

Administrative contact: Viivi Poutiainen

Organising department: Department of Art and Media

Target group: All Aalto students

Prerequisites: Some courses have specific prerequisites. Please check course descriptions for more detailed information.

Quotas and restrictions: 12 students. Some courses have a limited enrollment due to teaching and learning methods that require small group teaching.

Application process: Application period: spring. Application instructions for Aalto University students Students from other Finnish universities apply for the minor during the JOO application period. Instructions: Instructions for JOO applicants from other Finnish universities Students are advised to include in their application a short motivation letter in which they also list the courses they wish to take in the order of preference.

Content and structure of the minor

Application instructions for Aalto University students

Instructions for JOO applicants from other Finnish universities

Contemporary Art Practices/Theories-minor offers a selection of courses consisting of transdisciplinary and experimental art practice, curating and theory, which all extend outside of conventional settings and into an array of social, political, ecological, scientific and technological environments. The core of this minor is in artistic approaches, curatorial thinking, and their supporting theories; all responding to the challenges of contemporary art and life at large. Students will engage in open research processes, theories and practice-based experiments and gain a broad understanding of contemporary and emerging practices that deal with ecologies, curating, art & science.

The minor introduces students to cutting-edge themes and practices in contemporary art and its relation to other fields, such as curating, sciences, ecology and technology. The minor offers particular emphasis in art world and its structures and supports student's thesis that have artistic practice component. The minor enables an active understanding of practice/theory as intergrated process.

Structure of the minor

Courses (18 cr) are chosen based on personal study plans, professional interests and availability.

(Check the minimum scope of the minor studies in your own program.)